When it comes to holiday sweet treats, sugar cookies are a popular choice. Whether unfrosted with colored sprinkles or covered with icing, these seemingly simple treats don’t always turn out as planned. Sugar cookies are also a favorite because it gives people the chance to make use out of their cookie cutters, and the variety of shapes are neverending. To make sure you serve the very best holiday treats, consider the following tips to making better sugar cookies.
1. The Recipe
Let’s say you want to dust off some of your Christmas cookie cutters. One of the first mistakes many people make with their sugar cookies is with the recipe. There is a difference between a “sugar cookie” and “cut out sugar cookie” recipe. The average recipe for soft and chewy sugar cookies will not produce the type of cookies you seek. Before starting out, make sure you are following a “cut out sugar cookie” recipe, which creates sturdier results.
2. Temperature of Dough
Before rolling out your dough, it must be cold – especially right before you pop them into the oven. After they have rolled out their dough, some people will wrap it in parchment paper and place in the refrigerator for two hours to chill. Even after cutting out your shapes, it is suggested to place the cookies in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
3. No Grease
There is no need to grease your cookie sheet. Refrain from using any butter, oil, cooking spray, parchment paper, or silicone mat on the sheet.
4. Cookie Sheets
Do not place your sugar cookies on a warm baking sheet. The heat will start to melt your dough before it’s even placed inside the oven.
5. Icing
Before icing your sugar cookies, make sure that they have completely cooled off.
6. Colored Icing
If you would like to color your icing, add food color to your recipe, but keep in mind that the colors will dry slightly lighter. Select icing colors that are a bit darker.
7. Cookie Decorating
Allow your iced cookies to completely dry for about four hours before you attempt any design work. If you try to decorate while the icing is still wet, the colors will bleed.
